Eagletarian Blog

The former Eagles defensive coordinator has been hired by the Carolina Panthers, according to reports from ESPN and the Charlotte Observer. A league source confirmed the hire to the Daily News.

He will be reunited with Ron Rivera, who was hired last week as the Panthers' head coach. Rivera and McDermott worked together for 5 years on the Eagles defensive staff.

Since leaving the Eagles, Rivera has been the defensive coordinator for the Bears and most recently, the Chargers. In his news conference, Rivera promised someone who meshed with his philosophy and also someone who would be aggressive in his approach. Of course, both Rivera and McDermott are disciples of Jim Johnson.

Reports last night from the NFL Network said McDermott was in contract talks with the Denver Broncos about their defensive coordinator opening after interviewing with new coach John Fox.

A source close to the situation told the Daily News that McDermott was offered a position by the Broncos as assistant head coach/defensive coordinator but turned it down to join Rivera with the Panthers.

Fox announced eight members of his coaching staff, including several members of his staff in Carolina, but did not announce a defensive coordinator.

Mora will interview tonight with the Denver Broncos, according to Fox Sports' Jay Glazer.

According to the Denver Post, McDermott and Mora were the primary candidates. Green Bay defensive line coach Mike Trgovac who worked with Fox for five seasons, could be a candidate, but he cannot interview until next week.

Mora is among three candidates who have been indentified for the Eagles opening, along with Eagles senior assistant and secondary coach Dick Jauron and former Arizona Cardinals coordinator Billy Davis.

Jauron remains scheduled to interview with the Cleveland Browns for their vacancy. According to the Cleveland Plain Dealer, Dave Wannstedt is also expected to interview. Wannstedt resigned as the Pitt coach under pressure. He was a head coach in the NFL with the Bears and Dolphins.

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